Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Oct 16, 2011 10:48am | #1

   I believe Triton routers were originally manufactured in Australia, but went through some financial problems a couple of years back, and were bought out. The "new" tools are being made under the new ownership, but distribution may not be completely in place yet. So far, it is also unclear whether the "new" Triton company will be supporting the old tools, and if so, for how long. So, while the price of the older models might be attractive, there may be some risk involved.

   As to plates and lifts, you need to pay close attention to the details of each brand you are considering. Some are designed around a specific line of accessories and/or usage methods. As such, they may or may not be compatible with your methods of operation. Also, be sure the plate or lift you tentatively choose is available for the specific router you want to use.

   When I made a new table a couple of years ago, I ended up buying a PC 7518 (vairable speed, motor only) and a Rockler Bench Dog Pro lift.

2. 
   roc | Oct 16, 2011 01:52pm | #2

   Just to keep the discussion going

   There is always the small shaper option.  Tooling bites you in the butt however there are niceties, if I may use that word here, worth looking at.

   http://forums.finewoodworking.com/fwn-experts/ernie-conover-no-questions/router-lift-or-shaper

   And . . .

   I am curious if anyone is using a Festool in a router table.

   I don't know beans about router tables ( mine is just a board with a hole in it and a crude flat board for a fence ) but I am facinated with all the options.

1. 
   BruceS | Oct 17, 2011 09:41am | #3

   Been out of the loop since I was laid off.   But I believe Festool IS working on a router table.  But don't know the unvailing date.

   I think the present Festool routers would be problematic in a router table as they are made.   Can't see an easy way to make them height adjustable.

1. 
   roc | Oct 17, 2011 06:35pm | #5

   Ah that will be nice

   Bruce S.,

   Festool router table : I am surprised they have waited this long to make a special Festool version.

   Bones,

   Norm router table project : Yes that is a grand router table. Seeing yours it drove home how much larger the top surface is compared to a small shaper.

3. 
   bones | Oct 17, 2011 12:35pm | #4

   Been there

   When I got back into woodworking after a long period away, the router table was one of the first projects I did.  I did a lot of research and went with building my own table from Norms plans with a few mods.   I have the woodpecker PRL and the PC 7518.  I mated that with an Incra LS fence made the top bigger and its handled everything I've ever thrown at it.  Way back when every body suggested the 7518 was a standard and I have to agree.   I slamed it in the table and its never been removed.   I've still got the handle brand new that came with it.  It's never been used.  Now you can just buy the body without the handle its become such an asked for router for tables.   I made mine in 2004. 

   http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab118/bonesbr549/Shop%20projects/routertable.jpg